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Chef Lisa Smith's Page

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Title: Business Development Manager for Culinary Development

Company: HEB Central Market

Restaurant Segment: Casual, Fine Dining, Upscale Casual

Interests: Dating, Discovering new food, Discovering new wines, Consulting, Making Friends, Networking, Gaining Knowledge

Biography: LISA SMITH

Now one of the foremost female chefs in Texas, Lisa Smith refined her culinary skills in some of the most outstanding restaurants in the United States. In 1979, she apprenticed at the renowned River Café in Brooklyn, New York, working under chef Larry Forgione in the pioneering of American Cuisine. She rapidly rose from Assistant Pastry Chef at Windows on the World in NYC to Executive Chef at Dakota’s Restaurant in Dallas, Texas

Shortly after her arrival in Dallas, Ms Smith was featured in “D” Magazine, in Master Chefs Signature Entrees , and Esquire Magazine. In 1987 she accepted a position as Executive Chef as Sam’s Café. The role gave her the opportunity to handle all facets of the business, including design and development of the kitchen, equipment and menu items. She was named one of Dallas’ top 10 female chefs in 1988.

In 1989 Ms. Smith left Dallas to accept a position as Executive Chef in New Haven Connecticut, where she was able to introduce a new audience to Southwestern Cuisine.
She returned to Dallas 2 years later to accepted a position with El Chico Restaurants as Corporate Executive Chef, a role that offered her a diverse and challenging variety of responsibilities. She developed new products and plate presentations for more than 100 restaurants, and was responsible for the reformulation of existing and historical recipes.
She also coordinated research and development with operations, marketing and training to ensure quality within all individual kitchens.

In 1991 Ms. Smith accepted a position with LSG Skychefs as Executive Chef of Menu Design. This position established her as a leading authority in inflight catering. Her work with American Airlines International Service brought her to the world food markets of South America, Europe and Asia. It was during her time abroad, she was able to work extensively with international cultures, cuisines, and ingredients that help hone her recipe writing skills. The menus and recipes that she created during her tenure prepared millions of times a year worldwide.

Ms. Smith went on to accept a position with Central Market in 1996. She began her career with Central Market as a Foodservice Director in the DFW area. One year later she was asked to head up the new Culinary Development Department in Austin, Texas, where she is currently working. She works closely with all of Central Market’s Senior Leadership Team, Marketing Team, Executive Chefs, specialty foods buyers, along with the seafood and meat market departments, developing new and exciting recipes that reflect the bounty of the stores.

Lisa Smith is past president of the Les Dames D’Escoffier Austin Chapter, and a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She is a winner of the IFSA Award for Food Styling.

Years in the Industry: 30 years

Comment Wall (14 comments)

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At 12:32am on January 11, 2010, Dillon Grahn said…: Hey Lisa-
Quite an impressive background you have. As a newcomer to Austin, and to FohBoh itself, I just wanted to announce myself to local colleagues.
Cheers
-D.

At 3:41am on August 27, 2008, The Tortilla Guy said…: Hey Chef , how are you ? welcome if you have a minute why don't you drop me a line and lets "wrap" I have all kinds from sweet to savory, low carb to multi grain and soy
"The Tortilla Guy"

At 2:36pm on July 9, 2008, Robert Hale said…: Chef Lisa,

Hi my name is Robert Hale and I am the Corporate Relations Manager at the Texas Restaurant Association. I am putting together a program for Chefs and Restaurateurs that involves a fitness element, healthy menu items and a running event. We are bringing some partners to the table and I wanted to see if you may have a contact for me at Central Market? Any help would be appreciated and I look forward to your response.

Buon appetito!
Robert Hale

At 8:18pm on June 12, 2008, Chef Lisa Smith said…: Hello Everyone,
Thanks for the welcoming emails. I am off to Singapore on a culinary mission. I will report back with what I find.

At 7:20pm on June 12, 2008, Randy Caparoso said…: Great background, Chef... please let me know if I can every help from wine-related angles...

At 4:01am on May 15, 2008, Doug Hummel said…: I was on the opening crew for the first Austin store Ron Brannon and I were the first chefs there. Great concept.

At 11:14am on May 11, 2008, The Tortilla Guy said…: Hey Chef lets wrap !!! I have the best organic flour tortillas shot me an e-mail and we will chat , meanwhile enjoy this great site

At 8:08am on May 10, 2008, Chef Lisa Smith said…: Thank you all for such a warm welcome. If I do not respond to you within the next few weeks it is because I will be in France. I will be back at the beginning of June.

At 6:57pm on May 8, 2008, Doug Bond said…: Welcome to FohBoh Lisa. This is a great site to network and share experiences with many other restaurant and food professionals.
Have fun.

At 3:16pm on May 8, 2008, Amanda Hite said…: Welcome to a cool site! My name's Amanda Hite and I wanted to invite you to join the Group TALENT revolution. There are alot of funky thinkers and paradigm busters that hang out there. You can find the group on the main page under groups!